Engine storage in cabin

[Donna Womble]

How do folks store their outboard engines inside the cabin? Has anyone built a bracket to mount their engine somewhere? I prefer to store mine down near the keel, but I haven't come up with a reliable way to tie it down so it doesn't move around too much. I was thinking it would be nice to just use the bracket (for the transom) and have a similar 3-bolt system on top of the flotation compartment in the forward part of cabin. 

Anyone done anything like this already?  Thoughts?

Thanks, Donna.

[Travis Gregory]

Hi Donna,

I bought a heavy canvas duffle bag that is large enough for the outboard.  It has some handles on both ends of the bag and in the middle.  I zip the outboard into the bag and then set it over the keel.  I use the handles to bungee cord the bag in place between the keel lift post and the mast compression post.  Works very well.  The outboard has stayed put through various maneuvers and a broach or two!  Best of all the bag keeps the outboard from dinging up the interior of the boat.

[Glenn VanHeel]

I just use a sterylite under bed storage  plastic container with rollers and just store it under the cockpit. 3.5 tohatsu fits perfect and keeps it from banging around and fluids contained in case of leaks.

[Robert Homer]

I’ve been doing the “motor in bag” as well and tie it down between compression post and lift post with a dock line. It’s a Mercury 3.5


I like the idea of using the transom some mount though, it wouldn’t be too difficult to fab something up either. Just need a clamp to go around the compression post, or mount it to the two bolts securing the compression post to the cabin floor.

[TimPorter]

I have a rubber box that I cut out a part of one side.  The head sits in the box and the shaft goes underneath the cockpit.  When sailing no problems.  When I tow I put a cut dock bumper on the shaft in the event it does move around.